Bolt Cutter is described as a “Cellerable” Barleywine that is dry hopped with cascades. It is Founders 15th anniversary beer.

Bolt Cutter smells hoppy and slightly spicy. There is a heavy malt aroma, burnt caramel and a touch of dark fruits.

Poured a dark copper color almost no head, very lightly carbonated.

After tasting this beer I understand where they are coming from with “cellerable.” The initial flavor is very malt forward, sweet and sticky and the alcohol is right behind it. I found the combination of the sticky sweet malts and the heat from the alcohol too medicinal tasting for me. The beer leaves off with a slightly bitter aftertaste and I’m picking up just a hint of oak. This beer seems a bit thin to be called a Barleywine; it doesn’t have the body I’m use to with this style.

Overall not a beer I would have again without knowing it has some age on it. I’m a big fan of Barleywine but this one reminded me more of Strong Ales I’ve had than a Barleywine. I would tell you that this isn’t a bad beer; it’s just not ready in my opinion. So if you enjoy a nice strong beer, pick up a bottle and stash it in your beer cellar for a year or two, good things come to those who wait.